Author Interview: Build Your Platform Before You Publish

Video Transcript

Danielle

Hi, everyone. I am here today with Andrea Couture, and she is the author of this beautiful book, Embracing What Remains. I’m going to let her tell you what it’s about. Thank you so much for being here with me, Andrea, I appreciate your time.

Andrea

Thanks for having me.

Danielle

It was so much fun working with you, and I’ve been following your publishing journey, of course, since we started working together. After seeing what responses you’ve been getting, I thought it would be so much fun to talk with you and hear from the horse’s mouth, if you will, how has it gone for you. So if you wouldn’t mind, I’d love for you to tell us just a little bit about what the book is about.

Andrea

My book is a memoir about my father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about five years ago. I wanted to write about my journey with him and our family’s journey and kind of how it affected our life. And I wanted to share our story, because he was on the younger side, he was only 67. I was a new mom at the time. I just found this story to be something I wanted to share with the rest of the world because I know that more people are going to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as the years go on. And I’m sort of in that sandwich generation where I’m raising small children while thinking about and caring for my elderly parents, even though they’re not even that old.

Danielle

Yeah. And what I really thought was so interesting was the contrast that your dad went through, as he was a pretty well-known doctor, and then shifted to this role of patient and just kind of seeing his own journey, and how you perceived the lessons from what what he was going through, I thought it was just so beautiful. 

Andrea

Thank you. 

Danielle

I would love to hear a little bit about why you chose to self-publish. What was drawing you to self-publishing versus going a different route? That’s always a pretty big decision for authors. 

Andrea

Originally, I would have loved to be traditionally published, just because you feel like you’ll have more exposure and more people read your book, but it turns out after doing a lot of research and kind of using some things that you’ve taught me along the way, too, that if you have the right tools, you can really market yourself on your own. You don’t necessarily need a publisher. And kind of the other thing I learned along the way, too, is, yes, my story is important. And yes, it’s worth sharing. But I don’t necessarily have that celebrity background in order to get my memoir necessarily noticed by traditional publishers. I did query. But I just decided to move forward to self-publishing. I thought I’d be more successful, and at least get it out there in the world.

Danielle

Well, that’s wonderful. I love hearing your thought process and the fact that you did query and kind of gave it a feel. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like the right choice. You throw yourself out there, and the worst that can happen is it doesn’t work, right? It might be a little scary. But hey, then you’re testing the waters. So I’m interested in something you said. You identified that marketing was maybe one of the biggest draws to working with a traditional publisher. But you did some research and found that if you have, what do you feel like you kind of need time, experience, money? What do you think makes a difference for good marketing or something that doesn’t work as well?

Andrea

I don’t necessarily think you need the money. I think you can actually market almost, I would say, very low budget, if not free, with social media. There’s so many avenues now, between Instagram and Facebook, a lot of people use Twitter too, which I actually started dabbling in a little bit. But you know, all those are free apps and you can start creating graphics. I think it’s smart to do a little research and observe. I sat back and I observed what other authors were doing and I was also thinking as a reader, what would draw me in. A lot of it is like tease them with some book quotes or simple things that you have access to as an author. They don’t really need a lot of time and money for that. So I think it’s very doable. 

Danielle

It sounds like you really just spend some time kind of getting strategic and getting thoughtful about, hey, what would the readers like and what would draw them in and what would engage them. So that’s really helpful to know because some people think marketing and think, oh, do I have the money or the time to do this? I love hearing that you’ve experienced that. It’s just a matter of being kind of mindful and maybe consistent because I see you a lot. I see a lot of you, although I’m sure Instagram knows that we’re now best friends. Because I’m always clicking like, like, like, but I see all your stuff and you’re on there a lot. So that to me says if I’m seeing you consistently, other people will probably be seeing you consistently as well.

Andrea

I think exposing yourself live, being consistent, and a variety of posts. You don’t always want to post the same thing all the time, because people are bored or maybe even annoyed with what you’re posting. If you can keep it fresh, and sort of take that professional approach to where it’s about my book, and it’s about me, but it’s not necessarily about my whole life, you know, keep it kind of focused on just drawing in your readers and making them interested in you a little bit. And then your story, too.

Danielle

Yeah. Perfect. I would love to hear a little bit about how it’s gone for you since you hit publish. Did you hit goals? Were you expecting what you got? How did that all go? Because that’s kind of the big moment we all build up to, and then you’re going, Ahh, what happened?

Andrea

Well, another thing that I know I learned from you, too, was to build a platform and build up to your book release, which I think is really important. You don’t want to just publish, and then marketing it then. So I did take about a month to market myself prior to publishing. I tried to spread the word through friends and family, and then a little bit through Instagram and Facebook. And yeah, the day I hit publish, I don’t know if we want to talk numbers. But it was a pretty decent sale day, that first day, that first month was really successful. It’s kind of slowed down a little bit. But I would say my momentum is continuing to increase and build and I’ve definitely hit multiple goals of mine.

Danielle

That’s so wonderful.

Andrea

Yeah, I mean, we could talk off the record later.

Danielle

That’s totally whatever you want to share. We don’t have to.

Andrea

I’m happy to share that I’ve hit almost 400 sales for the book, combined. And probably more, actually, because I sold some in bookstores. But about 400 books so far.

Danielle

That’s wonderful! Your book is taking off! And look how beautiful this thing is. I want to bring it everywhere because it’s just so pretty. And I just love your book. I’m a huge fan, because it’s not like this warm, cozy read, but it’s just so comforting to understand, because I have a grandma going through it. She doesn’t want to admit it yet. But it’s from my perspective of, I’m not your spouse, I’m not your kid, I’m just kind of watching this happen. So it was just really interesting to see your perspective on a story that probably many people are very familiar with, to some degree. So let’s go back to the numbers a little bit. Because did you have any idea or expectations? Were you just like, I don’t know, I’m just gonna click hit and see what happens? 

Andrea

I really had no idea. I mean, I knew that my dad had a little bit of a following himself, just because he worked with so many people over the years. I didn’t know if people would actually be interested in reading the book, or even how they’d find out about it. But I think that I really just wanted to hit… you know, I read a lot of self-published authors, over the lifetime of the book, sell about 250 books. Okay, I thought to myself, I would love to at least 250 books, not right away, but eventually. And so I kind of did that within my first month and a half. So, that was exciting.

Danielle

And it’s been two months now. Right? You you publish on Father’s Day? 

Andrea

Yeah. 

Danielle

I loved that, I thought that was so great.

Andrea

So it’s just been about two months. And I’m going to be doing a like a virtual book tour in a couple months. So we’re gaining some attention that way. 

Danielle

That’s awesome. Can I ask how you decided to do that? Or how you planned it? Or all the things? Can you tell me about that, please?

Andrea

So I was just going along my merry way on Instagram, and I actually was approached by someone, and she said, “Who does your marketing, I’d love to talk with them.” And I was like, “I do. I have a one-woman show.” And she said, “Well, I’d like to work with you a little bit.” And I said, “Well, I’d be interested in maybe trying a virtual book tour.” And so we kind of made a deal. She’s working on collecting some bloggers, so hopefully that happens. And another thing that I learned from you as well was to kind of diversify myself in terms of as an author and as a writer. So I did reach out because I have that Alzheimer’s platform to be patient, which is a great advocacy group, and I wrote for them. And Instagram has a great world where there’s other authors who support you. They have blogs where you can write guest blogs, or you can do Q&A. So as an author, I think those are just great ways to kind of market yourself and your book.

Danielle

Yeah, perfect. I love hearing that you found someone who could support you with that one thing, because a lot of marketers are like, “Oh, hey, I’ll handle everything.” And you can handle a lot on your own, you just have to be dedicated to kind of figuring out what you should do and where and all of that, which can be overwhelming. So they do have value, but it’s not necessary. If you’re like, hey, I don’t want to spend the money, or I would like to, and I think there is value in trying it yourself. So you understand what works and what doesn’t, so you’re connecting with them.

Andrea

Right. And in terms of being self-published, the same idea. I wanted that control, I want to control what’s out there in the world that has my name on it. And so, yeah, I decided not to do a full marketing campaign with her. I said, let’s just try this and we can see how that goes. And that was nice that she allowed me to kind of do like an ala carte menu.

Danielle

Yeah, that’s wonderful. Well, I’ll be watching for some more writing from you. And then I would love to just get an idea of, so you kind of touched on this a little bit, who are you drawn to help? What is the big mission behind this book? You shared your story, I’m sure it was very cathartic. You learned a lot along the way. But who are you trying to reach with what message? And how are you looking for places in the world to do that?

Andrea

Yeah, I think originally, I hope that I reach other children of Alzheimer’s, and now it’s becoming, I hope I reach everybody, because so many people have come to me from different places saying, “I connected with your story because of this.” And it’s not even what I would think sometimes. They’re either caring for an elderly parent or a parent with chronic illness that’s not Alzheimer’s, or they have a family member with it. Or they worked in the field as a caregiver, or as a clinician, or sometimes it’s just the idea that it is hard to balance family dynamics when you have kids and parents and all that. So, I’m finding that a lot of people are coming to me from different places, and I’m realizing maybe I can help a lot of different people in many ways. Or also just inspiring other people to share their story, regardless of what that story is.

Danielle

Yeah. And I’d love to talk with you about that, because and to just bounce off, I loved what you shared about your sisters, because I have sisters. And I’m just like, oh my gosh, the complexities because we’re all one big happy family until something happens and then you got to figure out how it works. So I just I love hearing that other people are finding things to connect with your book. But it’s interesting, because you didn’t market to everyone, right? You’re not marketing to everyone, but other people are finding your book. So that’s really the message that I try to help people see. So thank you for illustrating that with a real life example that you can reach way more people than possible. But you have to get your voice heard first. 

Andrea

Exactly. 

Danielle

So, my question to you is, based on what you just said, how was the process of writing and really putting yourself out there? Were you nervous? Did you have to really get over some fears? I mean, let’s get a little real here. Because you shared some personal stuff.

Andrea

Yeah. Um, it was easier than I thought it would be. It’s sort of just who I am anyway. I’ve always kind of written about myself, and maybe not shared it with the world. But I think having the support of my family behind me saying that, yeah, it’s okay to share this story, and we want to help the world. We want to educate people in what Alzheimer’s is all about, and how it can really affect anybody and how it does affect a family. So I really wasn’t that afraid to share my story. I mean, there’s certain things but not really. For me, it wasn’t that hard.

Danielle

Oh, that’s so awesome you had your family’s support. I know that can be a big thing, writing alone can be so hard.

Andrea

Yeah, that was very important to me. I don’t think I would have done it without it. 

Danielle

Yeah. And it was not an easy journey to walk through what you experienced. So to put it on paper, I know it took some emotion and some energy and having that support of your spouse and your family saying, yes, you’re in the right direction. You’re doing the right thing. We got you, must have been wonderful. 

Andrea

Yeah.

Danielle

Well, I’m proud of you. You have made an amazing example of a self-published author, someone who’s just trying to get out there and make some change and do things in the world that make it better and help people and I just love that. That’s what I’m here to help support. So it’s been a wonderful experience working with you and seeing you blossom. And I’m looking forward to more. I’m going to drop the link to your book when I share this interview if that’s okay with you. Or if you have a website, I’m happy to share that as well because you really took the platform to heart and you went out there and you tried to do that and create kind of a place people can connect with you. So let me know where you want people to connect with you and I’ll share that. 

Andrea

Thank you!

Danielle

Thank you so much, Andrea. I appreciate your time. Keep doing amazing things. You are one amazing woman. I appreciate you and we’ll stay connected.

Andrea

Thanks. Thanks for your support.

Danielle

Absolutely!

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I hope you enjoyed hearing about the different ways Andrea is reaching her readers; her tenacity and dedication to expanding her reach and sharing her story is inspiring! 

Speaking to authors who have successfully navigated the self-publishing world is something I love to do. It allows us to peek behind the curtain and hear firsthand what it feels like to traverse the self-publishing path. 

If you’re curious about other elements of the publishing world, subscribe to my newsletter to be notified when new posts drop, or schedule a free call with me to explore your options to published authorhood!

Creatively yours,