Authors, are you stuck in your publishing journey by a lack of knowledge on how to get past one or more of the four main industry gatekeepers? Would you appreciate candid conversations with an agent (Hope Bolinger), a publisher (Linda Fulkerson), an editor (Rowena Kuo), and a reader/influencer (me) on how to align yourself, your platform, and your writing in ways that will make you an appealing author to each of these gatekeepers? Then you need to grab a copy of Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers from Scrivenings Press!
Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers by Hope Bolinger, Linda Fulkerson, Rowena Kuo, and me!
Remember when Dorothy finally reached the Emerald City only to be halted by the Gatekeeper, blocking her hopes of seeing the Great and Powerful Wizard?
The path to publication is like that. Agents, and Editors, and Publishers, oh, my! Each one is a barrier between you and a publishing contract.
But what if you understood what agents, editors, publishers, and readers really want?
If you’re struggling to get past the publishing gatekeepers, this book will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how to win the heart of each type of publishing professional. In fact, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers won’t just give you a peek—it will give you a guided tour. In this book, four publishing professionals—an agent, a publisher, an editor, and an influencer—share what it takes to unlock each “gate” within the publishing industry.
Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is a must-have resource for all aspiring authors, and it offers insights to help multi-published authors as well.
Coming soon in audiobook, too!
What can you expect from getting past the publishing gatekeepers?
Along with those candid conversations I mentioned above, you’ll also get behind-the-scenes insight to make you more aware of what it’s like on the other side of the aisle, such as the work that goes into your manuscript from agents, publishers, and editors … and how to find and approach influencers. And, among other things, you’ll learn how to work with your agent as a team, how to polish your manuscript before submitting it, and how to build a platform that publishers AND readers will gravitate toward.
In my section specifically, I cover topics such as:
where to find readers of your type of book
prioritizing your focus instead of trying to promote in all the places
how to determine which influencers truly want to help & which influencers are only in it for the free books
how (and how not) to approach influencers
what makes readers try a new-to-them author
the importance of cover, blurb, and author website must-haves in making a good first impression on readers
how to make word-of-mouth work for you
the importance of community in reader engagement
why your story matters
I love that Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers doesn’t only address issues and questions that aspiring authors might have. I get to continue the conversation for published authors, too!
read an excerpt from my section
What authors are saying about Getting past the publishing gatekeepers!
A Bridge of Understanding Between Readers & Authors
Carrie Schmidt not only draws from her years of involvement in the bookish world and her love of books, but also her heart of readers and authors alike. As she’s done so well in her blogging and social media outlets, Carrie continues to use her encouragement, knowledge, and passion in helping build a bridge of understanding between readers and authors so that we can all tell one big and beautiful story together.
Pepper Basham
award-winning author of The Mistletoe Countess and Authentically, Izzy
Brimming With Practical Advice
I’ve known Carrie Schmidt for many years, but I’m amazed how I never stop learning from her. This book was no exception. Her chapters were brimming with practical advice on not only finding new readers, but how authors can authentically engage with them. She also shared behind-the-scenes insight into influencers, bloggers and bookstagrammers. I highly recommend this book for all authors. You’ll walk away with great insight and newfound appreciation for readers who put their hearts behind our books.
Dani Pettrey
award-winning author of the Coastal Guardians series
Truly Helpful Advice
Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers offers truly helpful advice on how to find and connect with potential readers in an easy-to-follow format.
Beth Carpenter
author of the Northern Lights series
Vital Information I Wish I’d Known Years Ago
After years of producing a highly-respected blog introducing many authors and books to the public, Carrie Schmidt has written part of an important title I wish I’d owned when I began my author/publication journey. Her chapters in Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers discussing, “How Can Authors Find New-To-Them Readers? (and keep them) give vital information I wish I’d known years ago. Delivered in her winsome, conversational style, it’s as if your best marketing friend shares proven keys for success. This is the book we’ve all been waiting for. Thankfully it’s here in time to benefit all of us involved in the writing/authorship industry.
Delores Topliff
B.A., M.A., C.Ed.D., author of Wilderness Wife
Honest Heart-To-Heart You Never Knew You Needed
Want to position yourself to break through the barriers you face in the game of publishing? Then, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is the honest, heart-to-heart you never knew you needed. The last chapter by super reader Carrie Schmidt gets right to the core of the matter, so be sure to read that chapter as many times as you need to fuel your writing journey going forward. It’s gold.
Melony Teague
co-author of As the Ink Flows, Devotions for Writers & Speakers
A Book for Your “Keeper Shelf”
What author hasn’t wondered how to reach readers? Carrie Schmidt speaks to writers – not only the successful and accomplished author, but the introverted and overwhelmed author – giving them tools to engage readers in authentic and personal ways. From tips on participating in a successful blog tour to finding and retaining enthusiastic readers, Carrie gives the author the tools they need to reach those most important of all people – the readers they long to share their stories with. You will be putting this book on your “keeper shelf” and referring to it often!
Jan Drexler
award-winning author of The Sign of the Calico Quartz
Filled With So Much Good Information
I loved it. It is filled with so much good information–for the beginner and those with many books in print. And also encouragement. That alone is worth the read.
Linda K. Rodante
author of Warrior
Priceless, Practical Tips
Carrie Schmidt has turned a lifetime of experience championing authors into priceless tips for finding, engaging, and keeping readers. Within these chapters are practical, highlightable nuggets of wisdom for writers at any stage of their career. With an optimistic tone and encouraging heart, this guide will make a perfect addition to your bag of author tools – one you’ll find yourself grabbing from first draft to release day and beyond.
Teresa Tysinger
author of the Laurel Cove Romance Series
A Survival Guide No Author Should Miss
Authors, you need this! Carrie delivers valuable advice on publishing, marketing, influencers, and the keys to an online presence with wit, wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes-peek into the minds of our most dedicated readers. With practical tips and useful takeaways, each chapter packs a punch. A survival guide no author should miss.
Stephenia H. McGee
award-winning author of The Secrets of Emberwild
Take the Key. Open the Gate.
Who does more to nurture the author-reader connection than Carrie Schmidt? And now, our favorite book blogger, reviewer, and publicist is handing us her key to the gate that separates us from readers. With honesty and generosity, Carrie examines the nuances of the author-reader relationship, reveals mistakes that keep us locked on the other side, and shares expert insights so we can build a lasting relationship with readers that goes beyond selling books. Take the key. Open the gate.
Karen Sargent
author of Waiting for Butterflies
A Must For Your Writing Toolbox
For authors looking for readers, Carrie Schmidt’s section in Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is a must for their writing toolbox. The information she shares is a goldmine on ways to reach an audience.
Patricia Bradley
author of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series
A True Gift
Carrie Schmidt is someone I’ve learned knows more about Christian fiction and how to promote it, than anyone I’ve ever known…certainly more than me. For Carrie to gather her knowledge together in one place and share it with the world is a true gift. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book and keep it close.
Mary Connealy
author of The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series
Be Prepared to Take Notes!
As an author it’s so hard to know how to connect with readers. Carrie Schmidt of Reading Is My SuperPower gives some insightful advice. There are suggestions that can help the novice writer as well as the multi-published author. Be prepared to take notes!
Toni Shiloh
author of In Search of a Prince
A Bridge Between Authors & the World of Book Influencers
Carrie Schmidt offers a veritable treasure trove of insight and information that serves as a bridge between authors and the world of book influencers. Because of Carrie’s genuine warmth of spirit, brilliant mind, and breadth of experience, you’ll feel like you’ve just sat down and had coffee with a best friend who also happens to be a genius about all-things-influencing, from how to engage in social media in a healthy, relationship-building way, to how and where to connect with readers who adore books and might just be waiting to discover yours, too. If you’ve ever looked at the vast landscape of the book world and wondered, “how can my story find its way to the readers it was written for?”– this book holds practical, do-able, and exciting steps to make it not only possible, but enjoyable. And might I add…the last chapter should be required reading for every writer. Bring a tissue, and come away with a very full heart.
Amanda Dykes
author of novels including All the Lost Places, Yours is the Night, Set the Stars Alight, and Whose Waves These Are, the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year
An Important Read
Clearly written with a fresh, friendly encouraging manner, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is an important read for authors to take to heart.
Carrie Stuart Parks
award-winning author of Fallout and the Gwen Marcey series
what readers are saying about getting past the publishing gatekeepers