Name: Laura Bastian
Business Name: The Author Advisor
Website URL: http://www.theauthoradvisor.com
Social Media Links: @laurabastian1
www.facebook.com/theauthoradvisor
NFAA Chapter Location: Durham/Chapel Hill, North Carolina
NFAA Meetup Group Link: http://www.meetup.com/Durham-Chapel-Hill-Chapter-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/
Tell us a bit about you. What kinds of writing do you do and what do you do for work?
I’m in the early stages of writing my first nonfiction book, and I also write short stories. In terms of work, I’m a former Wall Streeter turned publishing professional. I work as a marketing manager for a hybrid publisher and also run my own social media/marketing consulting firm, The Author Advisor. I focus on teaching authors the skills they need to take control of their publishing futures.
What are your publishing-related goals?
My goal is to indie publish my nonfiction book in 2016. I hope my book helps further develop my platform as a publishing professional and entrepreneur.
Why motivated you to want to run a local chapter for NFAA and what do you hope to accomplish with your chapter?
I look forward to connecting with other writers in the area and, hopefully, bringing us new writing and publishing resources. There are several local groups catering to the fiction market, but there’s a great need for a nonfiction network here in the Triangle.
What advice would you offer to fellow writers?
Don’t be afraid of the publishing process – there are so many resources available to authors (traditional, self, and hybrid published alike).
Please list any favorite books, tools, or resources you would recommend for fellow writers.
David Gaughran’s books are great for outlining the specifics of publishing and marketing in the digital age. In terms of nonfiction book marketing, Stephanie Chandler’s book on nonfiction book marketing is a “must read” for anyone in this group.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, movies, and travel (both domestic and international). I prefer mild weather to hot, dogs to cats, and documentaries to action flicks. I work from the American Underground entrepreneurial hub in downtown Durham, although I also spend a lot of time in coffee shops.
