Name: Cristen Iris
Business Name: WriteNow, LLC dba Momentum Book & Business Coaching
Website URL: http://www.cristeniris.com/
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristeniris/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CristenIris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CristenIris/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristen_iris/?hl=en
Book Title: Authors and Editors: Understanding the Publishing Industry and Developing Strategic Partnerships, coming summer 2017
NFAA Chapter Location: Boise, Idaho
NFAA Meetup Group Link: https://www.meetup.com/Boise-Chapter-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/
Tell us a bit about you. What kinds of writing do you do and what do you do for work?
Most of the writing I do is business related, but I also write creative nonfiction.
I’m a full-time developmental editor, book coach, and ghostwriter. Although running my own business is work, it’s never felt like a job. I’m grateful to have found an excellent industry fit and get to work with people who understand what excites and drives me.
What are your publishing-related goals?
As an editor and coach, I’ve seen how little understanding many new authors have about the publishing industry. There are plenty of how-to resources, but I hope to encourage aspiring authors and editors to first determine why they want to follow a course of action.
Action applied without understanding and strategy wastes time and money. More importantly, it burns physical and emotional energy that if applied elsewhere would yield better results. I hope my book helps authors and editors think critically about the choices they make on many levels and that the understanding they gain helps them look for and identify the appropriate publishing professionals and/or clients at the appropriate time and that it gives them the information and tools necessary to make wise—profitable—choices regarding fit.
For serial authors and editors who’ve had frustrating experiences in the past, I offer both perspectives to help identify where and why misunderstandings occur and strategies for avoiding them in the future.
I want to see authors and editors form long-term, respectful relationships that are strong and mutually beneficial so together they can get more books into more reader’s hands with as little drama and waste (of time, energy, and money) as possible.
What motivated you to want to run a local chapter for NFAA and what do you hope to accomplish with your chapter?
I discovered the NFAA shortly after I decided I wanted to make a living in this industry, and the resources available helped me move forward more efficiently. Being a member of the NFAA makes me feel supported and empowered.
Boise has a wonderful writing community, but there was more education and support for fiction writers than nonfiction authors and authorpreneurs. There was no doubt in my mind that Boise-area writers and publishing professionals would benefit from a chapter. And they have. We have a thriving chapter and a growing list of success stories.
I want to continue to grow and serve nonfiction authors in our area and our members to be recognized as talented, professionally minded people who do much more than write.
What advice would you offer to fellow writers?
Trust the professionals. Focus on making money not saving money. There are many DIY and shortcut option that will reduce your publishing expenditures, but poor strategy, craft, and production won’t sell books. There are so many ways for nonfiction authors to leverage their books for profit that there is no excuse for putting out a bad product. Think like a business person, and invest in yourself and your brand.
Please list any favorite books, tools, or resources you would recommend for fellow writers.
In the interest of time and space I’ll list my top five at the moment (in no particular order):
From Pitch to Publication by Carole Blake
The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan by Stephanie Chandler
Garner’s Modern American Usage, third edition by Bryan A. Garner
Literary Law Guide for Authors, second edition by Tonya Marie Evans
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
What do you do for fun?
I am a lover of all things out of doors. I’m an avid hiker, mountain biker, snowshoer, and love to free climb on the many rock outcroppings found in the Idaho wilderness. If there is dirt, snow, water, and fresh air involved, I’m bound to enjoy myself.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being associated with the NFAA and my chapter members is an honor. I’m very proud to be involved and although I lead the Boise chapter, its members support and teach me every time I engage with them. I encourage all authors to connect with local authors and groups that can help them grow personally and professionally. For nonfiction authors and business people, I recommend starting with an NFAA chapter or applying to lead one in your area. Since one of the other things I do is serve as the National Chapter Director of the Nonfiction Authors Association, I love having the opportunity to talk to other NFAA members and help them maximize their exposure while growing and serving others.
