Dvorah Lansky
Name: Dvorah Lansky
Business name: Reach More Readers
Book Titles:
Book Marketing Made Easy: Simple Strategies for Selling Your Nonfiction Book Online
30-Day Productivity Challenge for Authors
Website URL: www.ReachMoreReaders.com
Social Media Links:
www.DvorahOnAmazon.com
www.Twitter.com/marketingwizard
www.LinkedIn.com/in/themarketingwizard
www.Facebook.com/buildabusinesswithyourbook
How did you come to do what you’re doing today?
I’d been marketing online since 1994, primarily as a leader in the network marketing field. In 2006 our local Chamber of Commerce asked me to speak about social networking—as it was just becoming a household term. From there, I went on to publish my first book, Connect, Communicate, and Profit: Build Successful Business Relationships Online, and I decided to market my book using the online marketing strategies I’d used for years.
That led to my writing my first book on book marketing: Book Marketing Made Easy. Once that book was published, authors started asking me to teach them more about online book marketing. Long story short, since that time, I’ve gone on to create and produce more than 20 online programs for authors. When I first started, I had no idea this would happen, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to run a successful online business that serves the author community.
Can you describe a “typical” day in your life?
I wake up most mornings as the sky is just starting to turn light. This is my most creative time of day, so after feeding my cat, I head to my computer to work on a writing project, usually something related to my latest course or author action guide.
Once the sun has risen, I head downstairs to eat breakfast or have a protein shake. From there, I either head back upstairs to continue writing, or head out to my favorite cafe or book store to do my writing there. My days usually consist of online speaking as well. Throughout the week, I’m either a host or a guest on a podcast or webinar, or I’m teaching an online course or leading a group coaching program.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
Being able to work with amazing people is such a blessing. I admire intelligence and determination and am honored that I have the opportunity to surround myself with authors who possess these qualities. As a natural-born teacher, and a woman with a master’s degree in education, I love teaching and I love people. It is such a joy to share what I am passionate about and be able to help a lot of people along the way.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
Yes, there are many people who have inspired me to develop my skills as an author and online book marketing coach: Kristen Joy, Nancy Marmolejo, Sandra, Beckwith, Bob Jenkins, Connie Ragen Green, Dr. Jeanette Cates, Doug Foresta, Leesa Barnes and Daniel Hall…to name a few. The relationships and friendships I’ve developed with these amazing people are priceless, and their belief in me is the greatest gift they could have given.
What is your latest book about?
30-Day Course Creation Challenge for Authors is my latest book (Publication date: March 2016). Of all the courses I’ve taught and books I’ve written, this topic seems to resonate most with our author community. I’ve decided to publish this author action guide to help even more authors be able to transform their books into online courses.
What inspired you to write your book?
Having taught online courses for over ten years, I’ve developed a lot of course content, tracking sheets, and checklists. After taking an amazing course with Kristen Joy on publishing journals and action guides, the light bulb went on for me. By publishing these action guides, not only will I be able to provide my students with easy access to the materials without having to print them out, I can also help a lot more authors to reach more readers.
Can you describe your writing process?
I’m a “gatherer.” Before I begin a writing project, I’ll develop an outline using mind-mapping software. From there, I’ll create a file folder for the book project and then sub-folders for each of the chapters. Next, I’ll comb through my computer hard drive and make copies of related content and paste that content into the appropriate book project folders.
My next step is what I call the “research phase.” I read through the content that I’ve gathered, make notes, and then develop an extended outline. Once I’ve completed this process, I’ll dive in, and work on one chapter or section at a time. From there, I’ll print off the section and edit and make changes, and then apply those changes to the manuscript. After I’ve taken things as far as I can on my own, I’ll send sections to my editor, who works his magic as he polishes my work.
You currently offer a program (the 30-Day Course Creation Challenge) that helps writers through the process of transforming their book and their knowledge into an online course. What is the biggest challenge that you see your students having that your course helps writers overcome?
As authors, there is only so much we can teach or share in our books. We are also limited by the amount of money we can earn, as we only receive a few dollars on each book sale.
With an online course authors can help their readers and students at a much deeper level while earning a lot more money.
www.ReachMoreReaders.com/create-a-course
Can you share some book marketing tips for our readers?
The top book marketing tip I can share is to encourage you to get involved in online speaking. Head over to iTunes and do a search in their podcast section. Then, head over to BlogTalkRadio and conduct a search of their radio shows. In the search field, type the keywords your ideal readers would type into Google, if they were looking for content on your topic area. This will put you in direct contact with online hosts who are actively looking for guest speakers. Being featured on podcasts and online radio shows that attract your ideal readers will allow you to build amazing relationships and sell a lot of books.
Anything writers should NOT do when marketing their book?
When marketing your book online, take care not to be too self-promotional. Instead, focus on sharing knowledge and developing relationships with readers and thought leaders in your field. One of the biggest mistakes authors make when marketing their books is to focus so much on pitching their books that they miss out on the long-range benefits of building relationships with people who can help you to exponentially reach even more readers.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
For many years, I played Afro-Cuban percussion and conga drums in bands and for dance troupes! I loved it!
What’s next for you?
I’m really enjoying teaching 30-day challenges for authors as well as writing and publishing the companion action guides for these programs. While my primary focus is on teaching authors how to create courses from their books, I also have plans to develop and teach 30-day challenges on teleseminars, list-building, and virtual book tours.
Also, this coming October will be our TENTH Annual Book Marketing Conference online. The connections I’ve made with amazing thought leaders by producing nine previous online book conferences has been incredible. I look forward to our 10th annual event being an amazing celebration and learning opportunity.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We lead busy lives and it’s not always easy to find the time to write or create course content. However, if you are serious about your goals and passionate about your topic and what you want to do in this world, make time! I’ve found that by scheduling recurring appointments in my calendar for the same time of day or day of week, I am able to accomplish a great deal. The trick here is to schedule a time you know you can keep, short of an emergency. Treat this writing appointment with yourself as you would an appointment with your best client. You’ll be amazed at how much you accomplish.
