Be Flexible: Author Interview with Suzie Waltner

Your bio says you put together your first novel when another author told you about NaNoWriMo. As a result of that writing challenge, you not only completed one book but went on to write a series. What motivated you to complete that first book? How did you come to the conclusion that you wanted to write a series?
That first book was one I had started writing during a creative writing class in college. NaNoWriMo motivated me to dust it off and finish the story I had written only five chapters of. As I wrote, some of the supporting characters took shape, and I knew they had a story to share too.

How did you go about getting your first book published? 
My first book (and a few after) are a cautionary tale. I was one of those people who did publishing wrong. I wrote a book and searched for an editor. The one I found told me the plot was good and I only needed a copy edit (note: this book needed much more than a copy edit). When I got the edits back, I published the book. It wasn't until two years later that an author I was on a launch team for mentioned ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). I joined and quickly realized I had a lot to learn about the craft of writing. 

So I took a five-year break and learned everything I could about the business of books from first draft to marketing and everything in between. I pulled that first series off of Amazon. I might go back and rework those stories some day, but for now, I have plenty of new ones in my head that are clamoring to be told.

After that break, I pitched my book, Midnight Blue, during Faith Pitch on Twitter in 2020 (sorry, folks, Faith Pitch is no longer). That is when Anaiah Press asked to see the first chapter. The editor read it and asked for the full manuscript, and within three months, I was offered a contract. And while we were working on the first book, the publisher asked if I planned to make this into a series. When I said yes, they asked me to send them titles and back cover blurbs for the other books, then offered me a contract for the rest of the Love in Color series.

You Now publish independently, which means you’re in charge of everything from writing to publishing and marketing. Other than writing, what other parts of the process do you personally do or hire others to do?
The Love in Color series was originally published with a small press. They went out of business last year, and I got the publishing rights back, so I changed the covers (I paid to have the new ones made) and indie published them. Republishing was easy since the books had already been edited. That is a cost, I am calculating for any future indie published books because I learned the value of a good editor. I formatted the books using Atticus and uploaded them on Amazon. And I get to do all of the marketing on them (but in reality, marketing is something even traditionally published authors have to work hard at).

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Hands down, the writing community is the best encouragement. My critique partners have become life-long friends, and I've met so many wonderful authors. This community is so uplifting and encouraging as we cheer on each other's successes and lift each other up when we are feeling discouraged.

Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
Marketing is not for the faint of heart. What worked well once might not ever work again. I think the key is to be flexible and willing to try new and/or different tactics. I had the best results when I gave Midnight Blue away for free for a week. I advertised on Freebooksy, who has several newsletters of thousands. I paid $100 to have my book included in one of those newsletters and had 4000 downloads of the book. Some people opted to pick up the book on KU as opposed to downloading the free version, and others picked up book two in the series (which was the only one available at the time). The return on investment of that single marketing push was triple what I put into it. The one thing I would do differently is wait until the entire series was available.

I also highly recommend joining the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group and participating in the conversations happening there (but note, promotions and links can only be shared on Saturdays and Sundays).

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
Not all editors are equal and a good one is priceless. When you find an editor you work well with, hold onto them as long as possible. If you're not sure where to start, ask your author friends who they would recommend.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Writing is not a solitary occupation. Find your tribe for encouragement, ideas, shared platform, prayer warriors, and more. Your writing friends will help you combat imposter syndrome when it creeps up. As I mentioned, my critique partners are life-long friends. We do so much more than critique each other's writing. I also belong to a mastermind group where we learn from each other and brainstorm. There are so many opportunities to get connected in the writing world. Take as many of them as your schedule allows.

Also, publishing requires a lot of patience. If you are aiming for one of the well-known, big publishers, you will need an agent (which takes time to find). Once you have an agent, they will shop your book around (more time). And if you are offered a contract, you are looking at two to three years before you hold that book in your hands. There are some good small presses out there right now. You won't get an advance (only royalties), but you don't need an agent to submit to most of them. Even these small presses have most of next year's calendar filled already. And then there is indie (or self) publishing. You can go a little bit more at your pace, but finding the right cover designer and working back and forth will take time. So will finding the right editor(s). Many editors are booked for months. And once you are ready to upload, you get to wait another day or two.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
I highly recommend joining a writing group. ACFW has a national organization and many local chapters if you are looking for a writing community where you live. Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers often has helpful conversations going in their email loop and there is a fantastic library of workshops you gain access to when you join. Both organizations have an annual conference and a virtual spring conference. 

The Christian Authors Network (CAN) includes the Christian Indie Publishers Association (CIPA), and if you are wanting to add speaking to your arsenal, the Advanced Speakers and Writers Association (AWSA) is a great place to get plugged in.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Here's the short synopsis of the book that is with a publisher for review right now:

Beckett Hayes arrives in Hollis, Idaho, with a dream to create a sanctuary for grieving children in memory of his late wife. His daughter, Lila, is excited for the move, but his teenage son, Hunter, is less than thrilled.

Everly Miller, a child psychologist with ties to the town, returns to Hollis. At first she's suspicious of Beckett’s purchase of her grandfather’s property. Over time, Everly is drawn into Beckett’s mission—despite her desire to leave the past behind. As Beckett and Everly work together to open Camp Hope, their growing bond leads them to confront their shared pain—and the possibility of a future together.

That's all  for today's interview. Suzie provided lots of good insights for writers and a good note for readers about her books.

Website: https://suziewaltner.com/

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